Mysterious Oud

Mysterious Oud by Bortnikoff is a dense, animalic, and deeply woody oud fragrance that delivers a powerful and polarizing olfactory experience. It opens with a sharp, barnyard earthiness centered around Indian and Cambodian oud, underscored by castoreum, which gives the scent a primal, raw texture—described by some as sensual, intoxicating, or even overwhelming. The heart features warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, blended with saffron-like floral notes and balsamic resins, creating a rich, layered base of amber, myrrh, opoponax, and tolu balsam. Over time, the fragrance mellows into a sweet-tonka-caramel dry-down with a woolly, leathery depth, making it less confrontational in the second half. Its sillage is strong and long-lasting—ideal for winter wear and nighttime occasions—and the longevity extends beyond 7 hours, especially on sensitive skin. The scent is essentially unisex, but its boldness, intensity, and animalic quality make it feel most aligned with mature, masculine interpretations.